Wilke Johnson is best known as a founding member of Dr. Feelgood, and later as a member of The Blockheads. / Classic Rock Magazine

by Korina Lopez, USA TODAY

by Korina Lopez, USA TODAY

Wilke Johnson, the former guitarist of 1970s band Dr. Feelgood who has most recently played the mute executioner Ser Ilyn Payne on Game of Thrones, has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. The musician has refused chemotherapy but still plans on releasing a new album and doing a few farewell gigs.

His manager posted the news on the Dr. Feelgood Facebook page.

"I am very sad to announce that Wilko has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas. He has chosen not to receive any chemotherapy.

"He is currently in good spirits, is not yet suffering any physical effects and can expect to enjoy at least another few months of reasonable health and activity.

"He has just set off on a trip to Japan; on his return we plan to complete a new CD, make a short tour of France, then give aseries of farewell gigs in the UK. There is also a live DVD in the pipeline, filmed on the last UK tour.

"Wilko wishes to offer his sincere thanks for all the support he has had over his long career, from those who have worked withhim to, above all, those devoted fans and admirers who have attended his live gigs, bought his recordings and generally made his life such an extraordinarily full and eventful experience."

Considered one of the most influential artists of British punk rock, Johnson left Dr, Feelgood in 1977 and created his own group, The Wilko Johnson Band.